Preserving The Spartan Way

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  This reading in Plutarch’s “Lives Of The Noble Grecians and Romans” covered chapters 51-55, comparing two Greek-Spartan leaders, who reflected Plato’s political ideal, with two Roman leaders, who reflected Aristotle’s political ideal. Chapters 51 and 52 introduce us to the Spartan kings, Agis and Cleomenes.  Sparta was in danger losing their Spartan ways, embracing luxury over discipline. Agis proposed to return people and country to their heritage by proposing a cancellation of all debt and redistribution the land of the wealthy to citizens “who were fit for service as able-bodied soldiers.” Opposition was instant as the rich dug in their heels against losing power and status. Ultimately, Agis was killed by the rich under the leadership of his half-brother, Leonidas.  After Leonidas died with his “300” in the last day of the Battle of Thermopylae, his son, Cleomenes, rose to power. Observing the deepening apathy and laziness of Sparta, Cleomenes grew curious about Agis’ model of gov

10 Stories We Tell Ourselves

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  1. “Everyone can be in a bad mood except for me.” 
  2. “I can quit any time.” No better time than the present!
  3. “Nobody’s going to know.” 
  4. “Nobody understands.”  You’re not alone on this planet.
  5. “I can’t do this anymore.” 
  6. “If I ignore it, it will go away.” 
  7. “I’m not the one responsible.” 
  8. “____ made me angry (happy, sad, etc)” Nobody made you choose your emotions.
  9. “I have no self control.” Which is why you spontaneously break out masturbating, overeating, gambling, etc. no matter where you are, what you are doing or who you are with.
  10. “I’ll do it later.” Just get it done, free up future time.

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